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The Sleepwalkers: Book Review

How many books are set in Nazi Germany? A lot, I know. But The Sleepwalkers, by Paul Grossman, was unlike any of those I have ever read. The story unfolds from the perspective of a police inspector named Willi, who happens to be Jewish, in the weeks and months before Hitler comes to power. And he makes some terrifying discoveries that, if revealed, could change the course of history.

Coming off a huge success in finding another killer, and being a decorated former soldier, Willi enjoys some considerable clout, despite his lineage. At least at first. But the Nazis are a cancer, and you watch their anti-semitic insanity begin to flourish in a terrible and frightening way.

But it’s not all intimidation and terror. Gorgeous women are sleepwalking through the streets of Berlin, and then disappearing, some reemerging atrociously mangled. Willi is on the case.

Loosely historical fiction, Grossman brings what must have been a frightening time in history to life in this fast-paced, edge-of-your-seat thriller. Berlin comes alive, historical heroes and villains become very real. Sexy, enticing, you will not be able to put it down.

(WARNING: If the prospect of beautiful socialites being hypnotized and compelled to do things decorum would usually prohibit, this is probably not the book for you. But otherwise…)